Flash floods predicted in lower South

BANGKOK, 20 November 2013 Southern provinces are bracing themselves for possible flash floods and forest runoff during the next three days as a new storm prevails over Malaysia.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said a strong low-pressure cell is moving towards the Andaman Sea and is expected to bring heavy rains to the lower southern region during November 20-23. There are 12 provinces at risk of rain-triggered floods, including Songkhla, Pattani, Narathiwat and Phuket.

Songkhla provincial authorities are closely monitoring the situation in low-lying and riverside areas. Small boats have been kept ashore as strong winds generated high waves.

In Pattani, 12 districts are being safeguarded against possible floods as strong waves are reported offshore. In neighboring Narathiwat, heavy overnight rains have raised fears of widespread flooding during the next two days.